Twins sign free-agent catcher Jason Castro to 3-year deal

The deal was agreed to last week and finalized Wednesday. He will make $8.5 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019.

Castro, 29, has spent all six of his major league seasons with the Houston Astros. Last season, he hit .210 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 329 at-bats, appearing in 113 games while splitting time behind the plate with Evan Gattis.

A first-round draft pick in 2008, Castro is well-regarded for his ability to work with pitchers. He was an All-Star in 2013, when he hit a career-best .276 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. In six seasons with Houston, hehit .232 with 114 doubles, 62 home runs, 212 RBI and 215 walks in 617 career game